Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,
My wife has fell in love with Chinese Water Dragons, their physical appearance. We know nothing about the temperment of them or any other water dragon type lizards.

She'll want to hold it and expect it to be somewhat like a bearded dragon, not shy, tempermental, etc... Caging requirements aren't a factor were concerned with, although, I'd like for it to be fairly simple to take care of because I've got a hunch it's gonna be like a lot of the other critters we've got, mine to take care of.

Anyone got any suggestions/recommendations for something along the water dragon line & looks that has good personality and a pleasure to watch & take care of?

Thanks!
HH
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

Hi, Chinese Water Dragons are quite a pleasure! They do have very specific requirements, namely a large enclosure like 5' long x 6' tall x 2' depth. Also, specific temps and humidity. If you are willing to do that, you can have a very special pet indeed!

Thanks, clouddancer22!

My wife likes the CWDs better than the AWDs she says because they don't look as mean, they look more gentle and cuter. She's gonna have to wait a lil' bit though 'cause I've got a few other cages that I've got to finish before starting on one for a CWD.

Thanks for your time & input!

Take care!
HH
-----
Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

chinse's are mellowER than aussies, but they will definetily not be like a beardie. if you get one when it's young and handle it regularly it will tolerate handling, but if you release your grip... it depends on the dragon. they are big snout rubbers. the aussies are a lot harder to obtain, but the ones that are available are all CB b/c australia's strict exporting laws. they are more $$$, usually being around 125.00, and chinese WD are usually like 30.00ish. the aussies are more "wild" and will scratch, but they don't really rub their snout at all.

when u say caging isn't a problem, will you be able to keep it in a 6x4x3 enclosure with filtered and heated water?

> > > when u say caging isn't a problem, will you be able to keep it in a 6x4x3 enclosure with filtered and heated water?

Well,… I think so.

Let’s see,… for the main carcass we can use FRP, shower board, melamine, or, oak plywood. I’ve got a few gallons of water borne poly layin’ ‘round here somewhere, too.

I’ve got two of these tubs in case one ain’t enough.

The inside dimensions of the tubs are 16in. x 40in. x 6in deep. If the water needs to be warmer than room temperature I’m sure I can come up with something, like maybe a submersible aquarium heater with a protective guard, heat tape, or something to do the trick. Filtering systems are widely available and within my price range.

I can get started on it as soon as I finish this cage for another reptile.

One reason the wife ain’t already got one is ‘cause I don’t feel like carry an empty 125-gallon tank in the house & standing it up on its end for a week. Dang! I just remembered, I could’ve put it in an empty 10-gallon tank I’ve got.

Ha! Ha! Don’t you just love a smarty! Relax, I’m just having fun, not trying to be a gen-u-wine smart ---. LOL!

Thanks for the input, Otis, good to see ya again. It’s been a long time.

Take care!
HH
-----
Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

i see just had to be thorough. looks nice! good luck with em' and if you have any more questions feel free to ask.

In my experience AWD are awesome. I have a 1.2 group and all are very tame. I can walk outside with my male on my shoulder. They have never bit, scratched, or tail whipped. I do handle all my reps a lot. AWD are easier to care for. They are very forgiving and tolerate temps much better. If your wife changes her mind and wants a AWD, Bert at Agamainertnational.com is the only place I would recommend. He has been dealing with them for years.

Tom

While researching the two before posting my Qs here I stumbled upon Bert Langerwerf's website and read the same thing you're saying, that AWDs are more temp tolerant, heartier, and a few other positive things.

I sent him an e-mail asking a few Qs and he was quick to respond with a very pleasant & informative reply. This was just last week. He told me that the price for the AWDs he had in stock at the time was $50, if memory serves me correctly.

That night I showed my wife pics of AWDs (Eastern) and she said she likes the CWDs more because they don't look as mean as the AWDs. Bert thought that was funny, I said, "Women!" Ha! Ha!

I've tried to convince her otherwise but no go, so, looks like she'll get her CWDs in a week or two and I'll have to wait until I finish setting up my reptile room and get me a group of AWDs. I've been planning on a big natural display but didn't have any specific creature in mind. I think I might've found it in AWDs. I think the males are absolutely beautiful.

Thanks, ticktom, for your input. I appreciate it. Oh, and yes, based on two e-mail exchanges between Bert & I, and based on what I've heard about him, he's the man to order from.

Have a good one!
HH
-----
Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American